Woolshed Classic moves toward spring

The third annual Woolshed Classic Motorcycle Rally on the Darling Downs has moved from autumn to the weekend before spring.

Organiser Mark Morrissey says the first two rallies at then historic Jondaryan Woolshed, 40km west of Toowoomba, were affected by rain, so he moved it from April to August 25-27.

“Thirty years ago autumn was always good for rain, but it has become dodgier over the last couple of years and that is what stopped many riders from coming,” he says.

“We might also get more riders to come out after being stuck at home over the winter.”

Mark says the format will be slightly different this year with modern bikes allowed to display, more trade stalls, and classic trials and motocross demonstration races run by the Dust Devils.

There will also be more musical entertainment during the day, classic bike movies will be a centrepiece and you can now book camping online.

Mark says past events have attracted riders from as far north as Bundaberg and south from Sydney.

Trade stall and public entry is a gold coin donation with funds going to the Endeavour Foundation.

Mark says catering profits also go to Endeavour Foundation and last year they raised $7500.

Camping fees are $10 per person per day, $19.50 for two adults and two children on an unpowered site and $25.50 for two adults and two children for a powered site. The campsite features hot showers and flush toilets.

The Woolshed sits just off the Warrego Highway, 40km west of Toowoomba and 160km west of Brisbane. There are plenty of great riding roads to get there around including the Bunya Mountains.

The historic complex stands on 64 hectares (160 acres) and can cater for enormous numbers of day visitors and thousands of campers.

The licensed Jondaryan Woolshed complex includes the historic woolshed, village, museum, cafe, food hall, arenas and paddocks. There are also public toilets and showers, disabled facilities and a large vehicle park.

The Woolshed has hosted large outdoor events for more than 30 years including the nine-day Australian Heritage Festival run from about 1974 until 2010 and attracting crowds of more than 20,000.